A quite stunning sun rise this morning, with the clouds a combination of pinks, blues and reds, certainly worth rising early for! Sadly as the sun continued to rise above the horizon it then disappeared behind the thick grey clouds that were sweeping across the sky, leaving me a dull and really windy walk.
On a Holm Oak branch in the copse a Kestrel was perched, the chestnut back and grey head indicating a male bird. From its hunched appearance, probably just sheltering out the weather rather than looking for breakfast.
Out to the far fields to check the Hereford Cattle, who all seemed content grazing on the rough grass, their ginger and white fur being fluffed by the wind. On the ground nearby a Blackbird was rummaging in the leaf litter under the Hawthorn, whilst another was calling from amongst the branches of the Elder bush.
Onto the top of the ridge, where the gusts of wind were really strong, making it difficult to stand up – fantastic!
Down on the front slopes and a Roe Deer was sheltering behind a large clump of Bramble, his ears twitching occasionally as he watched me pass.
As I was blown back up the hill, a couple of Jackdaws were also being buffeted by the gusts and seemed to be flying backwards at times, while heading quickly in the same direction as me was a Magpie, its long tail trying to act as a rudder.
The sea covered in churning white crests and crashing into the Portland Limestone cliffs, which this morning seemed bereft of seabirds.
A few Wood Pigeons in the woods, including one that emerged with a loud crashing from the Willow, while every now and then the calling of Blue Tits and Great Tits could be heard.
Yesterday, in the early evening gloom, the shadowy figure of a Fox trotting across the path was spotted.